Presentation on Ingrid Jonker's Poem: "The Child Who Was Shot Dead by Soldiers at Nyanga"

Introduction

• Poem part of Grade 12 English Home Language poetry (2023 and beyond).
• Contextual background of the poet and poem is crucial.

Background on Ingrid Jonker

• Afrikaans poet, born in 1933 in Northern Cape.
• Began writing poetry at age 6, regularly published by 16.
• Opposed apartheid regime through her poetry.
• Died by suicide in 1965.
• Nelson Mandela recited this poem during his 1994 inaugural address.

Context of the Poem

• Written in response to the shooting of a child during an anti-pass protest in Nyanga, 1960.
• Jonker saw the child and mother as universal symbols.
• Poem expresses bereavement and hope for what the child could have been.

Analysis of the Poem

Title

• "The Child Who Was Shot Dead by Soldiers at Nyanga" is frank and provokes sympathy.
• Highlights cruelty and senselessness of child's death.

Stanza-by-Stanza Analysis

Opening Lines

• "The child is not dead": Repetition emphasizes innocence and symbolic resistance.
• Anaphora through repetition of "the child" stresses the impact of apartheid on children.

Fists and Screams

• Lines describe anger and synesthesia (screaming smell) expressing a visceral response.
• Locations represent areas under oppression.

Generational Struggle

• Youth depicted as the new force for brutal resistance.
• "Scream Africa Scream": Indicates a fight for justice, even through violence.

Refrain and Places

• "The child is not dead": Refrain highlights enduring spirit.
• Mentions specific locations of apartheid-era violence.

Police and Resistance

• Child as a shadow of soldiers signifies enduring memory and potential for future youth resistance.
• "On guard with guns, saracens, and batons": Police prepared for violent confrontation.

Omnipresence of the Child

• Omnipresence: Spirit inspires ongoing resistance.
• "Present at meetings and legislations": Figurative presence influences discussions.

Innocence and Global Impact

• "Just wanted to play": Highlights innocence and senseless death.
• Child's metaphorical growth into a global symbol of resistance.

Form and Structure

• Free verse, no specific rhyme or rhythm.
• Emphasis on freedom and infinite influence through lack of punctuation.

Tone

• Bold, passionate, inspired, determined.
• Elements of outrage, loss, but not sadness.

Themes

• Freedom: Envisions a future with freedom of speech, movement, and equal rights.
• Resistance: Child symbolizes ongoing fight for equality and justice.

Conclusion

• Presentation encourages further engagement with new set Grade 12 poems.
• Additional content available on YouTube and social media platforms.